President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Navy for seven decades of dedication to protecting the nation’s maritime domain, describing the Service as a critical pillar of national and regional security.
Speaking at the 2026 International Fleet Review held at the Eko Atlantic Waterfront in Lagos as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th Anniversary, the President also commissioned three newly acquired naval vessels — NNS Oloibiri, NNS Mambila, and NNS Gurara.
President Tinubu praised the Navy’s achievements in combating piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, maritime smuggling, and other transnational crimes in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that its operations have contributed significantly to increased oil production, improved government revenue, and enhanced investor confidence.
“The Nigerian Navy has become an indispensable pillar of both national and regional security. Through its sustained operations against crude oil theft and maritime criminality, the Service has contributed immensely to economic growth and national stability,” the President said.
He also lauded the Navy’s contributions to counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts across the country, particularly the professionalism of its Special Boat Service and the recent deployment of Nigerian Navy Marines to operational theatres.
President Tinubu described Nigeria’s maritime domain as a strategic asset that remains central to the country’s economy and global trade, emphasizing that the Navy’s effective use of surveillance systems, rapid response mechanisms, and enforcement operations has helped eradicate piracy and significantly reduce maritime crime.
“Your theme for this milestone event, ‘Seven Decades of Operational Excellence,’ is not merely a slogan but a proven reality. I am confident that the Nigerian Navy will continue to secure our maritime environment as a thriving engine of the blue economy,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the Navy through continued investments in modern platforms, advanced technology, personnel welfare, training, and capacity development.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, attributed the Navy’s recent successes to strategic investments and strong support from the Federal Government. He noted that the acquisition of modern assets and enhanced surveillance capabilities had significantly strengthened Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
According to him, the Navy has intensified operations against piracy, crude oil theft, illegal fishing, sea robbery, and other maritime crimes across the Gulf of Guinea.
“The Nigerian Navy remains fully committed to defending the nation’s maritime domain and will continue to leverage technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships to sustain the gains recorded in maritime security,” Abbas said.
The naval chief also reaffirmed the loyalty of officers and ratings to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, while paying tribute to the sacrifices of serving and retired personnel whose dedication has shaped the Service over the past 70 years.
The event attracted top government officials, military leaders, foreign naval delegations, and international partners. Among those in attendance were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Nuhu Ribadu, and senior military chiefs.
Naval chiefs from several Gulf of Guinea countries, including Ghana, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, also participated in the fleet review, underscoring growing regional cooperation in maritime security.